Trail Runner Magazine's

Trophy Series Event

Idaho's Premier Trail Race

5th Annual

Participants include: Those new to trail running, local cross country runners, Idaho's best trail and mountain runners, national and international team trail and mountain runners.

The Menan Butte Long and Short Courses begin at the west trailhead and ascend to the rim up a set of switchbacks.  Runners had the option of heading directly up the “Butt-Buster” to the rim, but what they saved in time they surely pay for in pain.  Descending into the butte’s crater, everyone crosses the floor of this dormant volcano only to  ascend on the other side and turn south to scramble up Slick Dome rock before their descent to the lower west rim.  At this point the short course runners head back down the switchbacks to the finish line to complete a rugged 3.5 mile loop.  Those competing in the long course again descend into the crater and ascend the steep east side rim to the north.  Runners then negotiate a technical rock maze around the north slope, returning them to the west rim and the demanding descent back down the “Butt-Buster.”  The Menan Butte Long Course is considered the toughest five mile run in the state.  The total elevation gain/loss for the Long Course is a staggering 1,350 feet.